What is MIME type "text/x-ini"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

MIME type: text/x-ini is a plain text format used for configuration files. It follows the well-known INI syntax and is designed to store settings and options for software applications.

INI files use a simple structure. They often contain sections, which are marked with square brackets, and key-value pairs that define settings. Comments may be added with a semicolon or a hash symbol. This format makes it easy for both humans and programs to read and edit the configuration data.

Key uses:

Configuration management – Holds system and application settings.
Program initialization – Provides parameters that help software start correctly.
User customization – Allows users to change options without complex interfaces.

Files using this MIME type typically have the extension INI. Although popular on Windows, this format is also used in various cross-platform applications.

For more details on MIME types and their usage, visit the IANA registry.

Associated file extensions

.ini

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: text/x-ini

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="text/x-ini">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/x-ini');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.ini

FAQs

What is the purpose of the text/x-ini MIME type?

The text/x-ini MIME type is used to classify configuration files that follow the INI format. These files, typically ending in .ini, are plain text documents containing sections and key-value pairs used to initialize software settings.

Is text/x-ini a standard IANA MIME type?

No, the x- prefix indicates that text/x-ini is a non-standard or experimental type not officially registered with the IANA. However, it is the widely accepted convention for serving INI files on the web.

How do I configure Apache to serve .ini files?

You can add the MIME type to your Apache configuration or .htaccess file. Use the directive AddType text/x-ini .ini to ensure the server identifies these files correctly, though for security reasons, you generally should not expose configuration files publicly.

Why should I be careful when serving text/x-ini files on a web server?

Security is a major concern. INI files often contain sensitive information like database passwords, API keys, or system paths. Most web servers (like Apache or Nginx) should be configured to block access to .ini files rather than serve them to the public.

Can web browsers display text/x-ini files natively?

Yes, because the underlying format is plain text, most modern browsers will render the content directly in the window. However, if the server sends a Content-Disposition: attachment header, the browser will force a download instead of displaying it.

What is the correct Nginx configuration for INI files?

In your mime.types file or the types block in nginx.conf, add the line: text/x-ini ini;. If you intend to serve these files for download, ensure you check file permissions, but consider blocking them if they contain server secrets.

What happens if I use text/plain instead of text/x-ini?

Using text/plain is a safe fallback because INI files are human-readable text. However, using the specific text/x-ini type helps client applications and text editors automatically apply correct syntax highlighting for sections and comments.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.